§ 81. Mr. G. GRIFFITHSasked the Minister of Pensions whether he will reconsider the claim for a military pension by Mrs. M. A. Harris, 139, Fifth Avenue, Heworth, Yorks, case No. 11/W/68,969, in respect of the wounds of the late Acting-sergeant J. R. Harris, No. 681583, Labour Corps, in view of the statement made by a qualified medical practitioner that Harris died as a result of being gassed in the Great War, though a period of years has elapsed?
§ The MINISTER of PENSIONS (Mr. Ramsbotham)Special consideration has been given to the case of Mrs. Harris, notwithstanding that she would not ordinarily be entitled to an award, as her husband was not himself in receipt of disability pension, but I am advised that the circumstances of her husband's death do not show such connection with war service as would justify an exceptional grant in her favour. I may say that the 1513 wounds which Mr. Harris sustained were flesh wounds and not severe or such as to cause permanent disablement. Further, there is no record in the official documents that he was gassed, or that he had complained of exposure to gas, and he did not at any time make a claim for pension or treatment on account of war disablement.
§ Mr. GRIFFITHSIf I brought forward evidence from this medical practitioner to prove that it was due to the man's service, would the Minister reconsider the matter, because such cases all over the country are not assisting the Minister for War in his recruiting?
Mr. R A MSBOTHAMI should be glad to consider any further evidence which the hon. Member might bring forward.